Soldier's remains returned from Korea

Feb. 6, 2013 - 08:30AM
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Last Updated: Feb. 6, 2013 - 08:30AM |

BRAZIL, Ind. — The remains of a western Indiana soldier have returned home more than 61 years after he died while imprisoned in North Korea.

The flag-draped casket of Army Cpl. Robert Gene Archer were flown to Indianapolis on Tuesday and escorted by law enforcement officers and motorcyclists to his hometown of Brazil, about 50 miles southwest of Indianapolis.

The Brazil Times reports that Archer went missing in action in 1950 and died of malnutrition in Chinese captivity a year later, but his remains were only recently recovered by the U.S. military.

A nephew, Jim Archer, said the family is grateful that the remains have come home.

A funeral will be held Saturday, followed by burial with full military honors provided by Army members.